GB2263994A - Counterfeit document detector - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for the detection of a counterfeit financial or other instrument by radiation of the instrument with ultra violet light comprises a cabinet incorporating a shrouded (6) source of u/v light and a platform (3) for retention of the instrument: the platform (3) being adapted to be orientated in a first generally horizontal mode or in a second generally vertical mode, whereby the instrument can be readily and discreetly seen by an operative from above or at one side. The device may include a plug and choke arrangement formed as a single unitary entity thereby reducing the size of the neon tube assembly within the shroud. <IMAGE>

Description

DETECTOR The present invention relates to a detector of counterfeit financial instruments and particularly to such a detector utilising an ultraviolet (u/v) light source.

It is known to detect counterfeit financial instruments such as cheques, credit cards and bank notes and official documents such as MOT certificates by projecting ultraviolet light into the same. Non-standard paper usually fluoresces thereby indicating a counterfeit instrument.

Due to increasing levels of fraud it has become necessary to provide office staff who handle these financial instruments with the means of readily detecting their veracity.

Although some devices already exist for this purpose, there is a requirement for a small, economic and discreet device for rapidly and simply checking the veracity of financial instruments without embarrassing the customer, and without subjecting the operative to un-shrouded u/v light. Such an arrangement should be simple to use, work in all light conditions, and be compact.

According to the present invention therefore there is provided a device for the detection of a counterfeit financial instrument by irradiation of the instrument with u/v light, which comprises a cabinet incorporating a shrouded source of u/v light and a platform for retention of the instrument; characterised in that the platform is adapted to the orientated in a first generally horizontal mode or in a second generally vertical mode whereby the irradiated instrument can be readily and discreetly seen by an operative from one of two convenient angles.

In a preferred form of the invention the distance from the platform to the u/v light source is approximately equal to the depth of the platform. In another form of the invention the angle subtended between the rear of the platform and the lower forward face of the shroud is in range of 75" to 55 . The u/v light source may be a neon tube having a transmittance of 350 to 390 nanometers. The u/v light source may be driven by a choke and starter unit in accordance with usual practice, however more preferably the starter is disposed within the cabinet, and the choke unit is integrally formed with an electric plug. This allows the shroud to be made smaller than would otherwise be the case, thereby providing a more compact unit.

In an alternative form of the invention the cabinet may contain a rechargeable battery pack incorporating a starter unit of a power-rating necessary to provide power to a u/v neon tube. In these circumstances no choke unit is required.

In another form of the invention there is provided a device for the detection of a counterfeit financial instrument by irradiation of the instrument with u/v light, which device comprises a cabinet incorporating a shrouded source of. u/v light and a platform for the retention of the instrument; characterised in that the cabinet further comprises means independent of the u/v light source for detecting fluorescence of an instrument on the platform and means indicative of the said detection. The means for detecting fluorescence may by an optical filter matched to a fluorescent band indicative of a counterfeit instrument.

Such an arrangement may include means for the sequential supply of a series of instruments across the platform from a stack thereof.

In a further form of the invention there is provided an electric plug further comprising an choke unit for a neon tube.

The invention will now be described, by way of illustration only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein Figure 1 shows a side elevation of a device in part section in a first position and Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of the arrangement of Figure 1.

With reference to Figure 1 there is provided a cabinet (1) having a generally Lshaped configuration. The cabinet (1) is provided with a generally rectangular primary base (4). Extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal edge of the primary base (4) is a secondary base (5). The bases (4) and (5) are both generally rectangular in cross section.

The primary base (4) supports in parallel a platform (3) extending from a forward edge of the primary base (4) toward the rear edge thereof. The secondary base (5) is overlaid by a support portion (9) which forms the rear, generally perpendicular, face of the platform (3).

Extending generally perpendicular to the plane of the secondary base (5) and remote from the primary base (4) is a shroud (6) which supports a u/v light source, in this case a neon tube (2) in a spaced operative relation to the platform (3). The forward edge of the shroud (6) extends forwardly and downwardly such that even if the device is rotated while the u/v light is switched on, the operative cannot generally get a clear view of the unshrouded light source. The upper face of the shroud (6) is provided with a switch member (8) for the neon tube.

Defined by the edge of the shroud (6) and the upper edge of the support portion (9) is a lightwell (7) which allows u/v radiation to reach to platform (3). The distance between the u/v light source and the platform is in the range of 9 to 12 cm.

The cabinet (1) is also provided with an electric plug-on-lead assembly (12) which will be described later.

From the rear of the platform (3) to the forward edge of the shroud (6) an angle 0" is formed to subtend an angle of utility (10). In a preferred form of the invention the angle of utility is between 75" and 55 ; is more preferably between 65"and 70 , and most preferably 68". The platform (3) is provided optionally with clips (11) to retain instruments in a substantial planar condition for radiation. However, the clips (11) are only really necessary for some instruments.

In Figure 2 is shown a choke and plug assembly (12) as a single unit comprising the features of a standard electric plug along with a choke unit for the neon tube required. The choke unit supplies power to a fuse (14) which in turn is connected to the switch (8). The switch (8) tube supplies power to a neon tube (F4T5 BLB lamp) connected to a starter unit (13). The starter unit (13) is adapted to shut off as soon as its heating function has been completed. As is well known in the art, the interruption in the circuit caused by the shutting off the starter unit (13), in combination with the agency of the choke unit (inductor), produces a voltage surge which is high enough to initiate the discharge in the neon tube itself. A choke is a relatively bulky coil having a high self inductance. It therefore disadvantageously makes the device of the present invention heavy and takes up valuable space within the device itself. With another aspect of the present invention, the device f the detection counterfeit instruments or other devices can be made more compact by locating the choke unit in the plug. In this way, the choke unit can be provided in the power circuit without taking up any space in the actual device. Although the plug unit is increased in size, this is not so important since the plug unit is generally located at an electrical socket out of sight and away from the location where a user is employing the device. Accordingly, it is possible to make a more compact and discreet device than hitherto known.

The concept of inserting the choke unit into a plug enclosure allows neon tube assemblies in general to be reduced in size. A further benefit is to remove the choke unit from exposure to moisture when the neon tube, for example, is to be used in moist conditions e.g. in aquaria. Thus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the starter unit is incorporated within the shroud (6) and the choke unit is incorporated within the plug unit (12). This allows for a more compact unit.

The choke unit (12) comprises a three pin plug in accordance with convention arrangements, and a cap (14). The cap (14) overlays and seals the choke unit which is sized to fit within the cap (14) and is provided with an isolator panel (not shown) to ensure that the choke unit is electrically separated from heads of the plug pins.

In use with the operative sitting at a desk for example, the cabinet is orientated as shown in Figure 1. It will be seen that the angle 0 is such that with the operative seated and the cabinet within easy reach it is easy for the operative to insert a bank note, for example, onto the platform (3), switch the fluorescent tube on by means of the switch (8), and view the result. If the bank note "fluoresces" it is likely that it is counterfeit.

Similarly if the operator is working at a bar, for example, it is necessary for him/her to view the unit from above. In which case the unit is caused to rest on the secondary base (5) such that although the operative is viewing the cabinet from above, it is still readily possible to view the bank note for example, within an angle of utility; although in this case u/v light is directed upwardly rather than downwardly.

Again fluorescence of a financial instrument resting against the platform (3) can be readily checked. Because the primary base (4) faces the customer it is possible to irradiate a suspect bank note, for example, without embarrassing the customer unless it is necessary.

It will be readily seen that bank notes and other instruments may be supplied sequentially to the platform (3) and means may be provided to electronically actuate a rejection mode if fluorescence occurs.

The invention provides therefore a device for the detection of a counterfeit financial or other instrument, and to a choke and plug unit for use therewith.

Claims (11)

1. A device for the detection of a counterfeit financial or other instrument by irradiation of the instrument with u/v light, which device comprises a cabinet incorporating a shrouded source of u/v light and a platform for retention of the instrument; characterised in that the platform is adapted to be orientated in a first generally horizontal mode or in a secondary generally vertical mode, whereby the irradiated instrument can be readily and discreetly seen by an operative from above or at one side.

2. A device according to Claim 1 wherein the distance from the platform to the u/v light source is approximately equal to the depth of the platform.

3. A device according to Claim 2 wherein the angle subtended between the rear of the platform and the lower forward face of the shroud is in the range of 550 to 750.

4. A device according to any proceeding Claim where a u/v light source is a neon tube having a transmittance of 350 to 390 nanometers.

15. A device according to any of the preceding Claims wherein the u/v light source is driven by a choke and starter unit and wherein the starter unit is disposed within the cabinet and the choke is integrally formed with an electric plug.

6. A device according to any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the cabinet contains a rechargeable battery pack incorporating a starter unit.

7. A device for the detection of a counterfeit financial or other instrument by irradiation of the instrument with u/v light, which device comprises a cabinet incorporating a shrouded source of u/v light and a platform for the retention of the instrument; characterised in that the cabinet further comprises means independent of u/v light source for detecting fluorescence of the instrument on the platform and warning means indicative of said detection.

8. A device according to Claim 7 wherein the means for detecting fluorescence is an optical filter matched to the fluorescent band indicative of a counterfeit instrume.

9. A device according to either of Claims 7 or 8 wherein the device comprises means for the sequential supply of a series of instruments across the platform from a stack thereof.

10. An electric plug further comprising a choke for a neon tube.

11. A plug according to Claim 10 wherein the neon tube is a source of u/v light at 350 to 390 nanometers.